Rocheval
(That's it - everything else is the same as last week and there are no entries this week - roll on Aintree)
Thursday, 27 March 2025
Thursday, 20 March 2025
2024/25 Jumps Issue 19 - Entries slow after Festival
Headlines
It’s A Fact – File wins the Ryan Air
Caldwell Potters to Chase Victory
Kingston is The Pride of Kempton
Hewick lands Memorial Hurdle
Report
We star at Cheltenham on Thursday where in the 2m 4f novice handicap chase Caldwell Potter (Cliff, Neil, Peej, Steve), took his chance, Jumped well, prominent early, led from 1st, shaken up and went clear 2 out, ridden and ran on run-in, winning readily by 6 ½ l. He gets 18.1 points.
In the 2m 4f grade 1 Ryan Air Chase Fact To File (Cliff, Neil), went to post, Travelled strongly, in touch with leaders, went second 12th, led going easily after 3 out, went clear before 2 out, not fluent last, shaken up run-in, winning impressively by 9l. He gets 27.5 points.
In the 3m grade 1 Stayers Hurdle Teauphoo (Peej, Steve), took his chance, Midfield on outer, not fluent 5th, in touch with leaders after 6th, prominent after 4 out, led before last, headed just after last, kept on well but no match for winner, 2nd beaten 1 ¾ l. Peej gets 27 points, Steve 13.5
In the 3m 2f Grade 1 Gold Cup Chase Galopin Des Champs (Cod, Neil, Peej), went to post, in touch with leaders on outer, not fluent 7th, hampered by faller and carried right 15th, soon recovered, headway 3 out, soon pressed leader, led before 2 out, soon faced challenge, headed approaching last, no match for winner, 2nd beaten 6l. He gets 13.4 points.
On Saturday at Kempton in the 2m 5f novice hurdle Kingston Pride (Neil), took his chance, Raced in second, pushed along after 3 out, led just after 2 out, ridden run-in, stayed on, winning by 5l. He gets 23.82 points.
At Thurles in the 2m 6f Jimmy Neville Memorial hurdle Hewick ( Cod), took his chance, In touch with leaders, headway to lead 4 out, pushed along and 4 lengths ahead after 2 out, ridden briefly and ran on well run-in, winning by 5l. He gets 24.76 points
John Torpey Memorial Trophy
March Total
Bob 68.13 644.54
Steve 158.77 609.89
Neil 150 586.66
Cliff 223.2 583.85
Peej 110.58 526.01
Cod 84.16 389.4
Martin 41.93 351.45
Stats Per String
Runners Winners
Bob, 46 22
Cliff 50 17
Cod, 47 14
Martin, 62 15
Neil 44 20
Peej 50 18
Steve 41 21
The Weeks Losers
Diva Luna, Maughreen, Firefox, Protektorat, Il Est Francais, Teuphoo, Mystical Power, Masaccio, Ginny’s Destiny, Hello Neighbour, Willy De Houelle, Norman Fletcher, Port Joulain , Galopin Des Champs, Quebecois
Cheltenham Grand Slam
Cliff 195.7
Steve 118
Peej 87.5
Neil 84.84
Cod 42.4
Bob 20
So the Editor claims the 20 points.
News
Hewick returned to the winner's enclosure for the first time since his memorable King George triumph in 2023 as he powered clear in the 2m6f Jimmy Neville Memorial Hurdle under Paddy Hanlon, giving his father Shark a welcome winner after he had his training licence reinstated earlier this month. The winning rider told The Punter "He was brilliant. He'll go for the National now and this was a lovely set-up for it.
Flat Strings
Competition starts Saturday 3 May, so strings in by close of play Monday 28 April
Weekend Entries
Saturday
Kelso
4.10 Rocheval
Grand Slam
Leg 1 Neil
Leg 2 Tony
Leg 3 Tony
Leg 4 Cliff
Leg 5 Neil
Leg 6 Peej
Leg 7 Tony
Leg 8 Steve
Leg 9 Steve
Leg 10 Steve
Leg 11 Steve
Leg 12 Cliff
Leg 13 Neil
Leg 14 Cliff
Leg 15 Bob
Leg 16 Bob
Leg 17 Peej
Leg 18 Bob
Leg 19 Neil
Leg 20 Peej
Leg 21 Cliff
First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell,(Flat) , Worcester
In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick, Listowel, Kilbeggan
Thursday, 13 March 2025
2024/25 Jumps Issue 18 - A dramatic first two days at The Festival
Headlines
Regents Has A Stroll Round Wincanton
Dante Goes in at Sandown
Peej gets Redemption at Naas
Editor Plays his Golden Ace in Champion Hurdle
Peej nails his couleurs to winning post
Jango Baie Lands Arkle Chase
Lion Roars Home in Turners Hurdle
Report
We start at Wincanton las Thursday where in the 2m 4f novice hurdle Regents Stroll (Bob, Martin, Steve), went to post, Took keen hold, made all, pestered from 5th, hung left on turn after 3 out, eased clear run-in, winning readily by 2l. He gets 11.09 points.
At Sandown on Saturday in the 2m handicap hurdle Go Dante ( Cod, Martin), took his chance, In touch with leaders on outer, ridden and headway approaching last, went second last, kept on well and led towards finish, winning by ½ l. He gets 17 points.
On Sunday at Naas in the 2m 3f maiden hurdle Redemption Day (Peej), took his chance, Jumped right throughout, prominent, not fluent 3rd, disputed lead approaching last, ridden and led clearly then ran on well run-in, winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 23. 08 points.
On Tuesday at Cheltenham in the 2m grade 1 Arkle novice chase Jango Baie (Steve), went to post, Set good pace, headed and prominent 3rd, towards rear before 7th, outpaced after 4 out, mistake 3 out, some headway when mistake 2 out, ridden and rallied approaching last, ran on well run-in, led towards finish winning by ¾ l. He gets 62 points.
In the 2m 4f grade 1 mares hurdle Lossiemouth (Neil), went to post, Travelled strongly, raced in second, switched right and led going easily approaching last, nudged along and went clear run-in, winning readily by 7 ½ l. She Gets 53.34 points.
In the 2m grade 1 Champion Hurdle Golden Ace (Cliff0 took her chance, in touch with leaders, slightly hampered 4 out, soon outpaced, went third just after 3 out, went second but 5 lengths down when left in lead last, ridden out run-in, kept on well, winning by 9l. She gets 148.6 points
In the 3m 6f novice handicap chase Haiti Couleurs (Peej), took his chance, Prominent, joined leader 4th, led 3 out, jumped left 2 out, ridden and 5 lengths ahead last, stayed on, winning by 4 ½ l. He gets 29 points.
On Wednesday in the 2m 5f grade 1 Turners Novice hurdle The New Lion (Bob, Cliff, Cod), went to post, Towards rear, steady headway from 3 out, going easily 2 out, pushed along and switched sharply right approaching last, pressed leader last, ridden run-in, led final 110yds, kept on well, winning by ¾ l. He gets 29 points.
In the 2m grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase, Jonbon ( Steve), took his chance, n touch with leaders, bad mistake and dropped to last 9th, pushed along and no impression before 2 out, 14 lengths down last, stayed on run-in, went modest second towards finish 2nd beaten 18l He gets 26.4 points.
John Torpey Memorial Trophy
March Total
Bob 68.13 644.54
Steve 127.17 578.29
Neil 67.18 503.84
Peej 52.08 485.611
Cliff 177.6 518.25
Martin 41.93 351.45
Cod 46 351.24
Stats Per String
Runners Winners
Bob, 44 21
Cliff 46 15
Cod, 43 13
Martin, 58 15
Neil 38 17
Peej 44 17
Steve 39 20
The Weeks Losers
We’re Red And Blue, Bellocio, Salvator Mundi, Majborough, L’Eau Du Sud. Famous Bridge, Trelawne, Broadway Boy, Dysart Enos, Constitution Hill, Jonbon, State Man, Brighterdaysahead, Potters Charm, Ballyburn, Dancing City, Be Aware, Found A Fifty, Quilixios, Primoz
Cheltenham Grand Slam
Cliff 177.6
Steve 86.4
Neil 53.34
Peej 29
Cod 29
Bob 20
News
Nicky Henderson was dealt a blow on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival after he announced that Triumph Hurdle hope Palladium will miss the Grade 1 on Friday.
The four-year-old, who was a general 10-1 fourth favourite for the opener on the final day, became cast overnight and was experiencing some soreness in his box on Tuesday morning.
Flat Strings
Competition starts Saturday 3 May, so strings in by close of play Monday 28 April
Weekend Entries
Friday
Cheltenham
1.20 Hello Neighbour, , Willy De Houelle,
2.00 Go Dante, Norman Fletcher, We’re Red And Blue
3.20 Port Joulain
4.00 Galopin Des Champs,
5.20 Norman Fletcher
Fakenham
4.15 Norman Fletcher
Saturday
Kempton
3.57 Kingston Pride , Quebecois
Uttoxeter
4.10 Kingston Pride, Quebecois
Thurles
4.15 Hewick
Grand Slam
Leg 1 Neil
Leg 2 Tony
Leg 3 Tony
Leg 4 Cliff
Leg 5 Neil
Leg 6 Peej
Leg 7 Tony
Leg 8 Steve
Leg 9 Steve
Leg 10 Steve
Leg 11 Steve
Leg 12 Cliff
Leg 13 Neil
Leg 14 Cliff
Leg 15 Bob
Leg 16 Bob
Leg 17 Peej
Leg 18 Bob
Leg 19 Neil
Leg 20 Peej
First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell,(Flat) , Worcester
In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick, Listowel, Kilbeggan
Thursday, 6 March 2025
2024/25 - The Editor's Cheltenham Preview (Tuesday-Thursday)
Tuesday
1.20 Supreme Novice Hurdle
Punter Entries - Salvator Mundi, won a grade 2 las time out but stable mate and odds on favourite Kopek Des Bordes won a grade 1 ,impeseeively by 13 l last time and looks hard to beat. Tripoli Flyer (20/1 has won his last 2 including a grade 2 last time by 7 ½ land is my each way tip)
2.00 Arkle Novice chase
Punter Entries - Majborough, L’Eau Du Sud, Jango Baie, Ballyburn, Firefox,
Majborough will take all the beating. Ballyburn runs elsewhere and L’Eau Du Sud has done nothing wrong but at 9/2 makes little appeal. Firefox was well behind Majborough last time.
2.40 Ultima Handicap Chase
Punter Entries - Trelawne, Famous Bridge, Broadway Boy, Masaccio
Trelawne looks high in the weights, , Masaccio looks harshly treated and I am surprised he is shorter than lasy time out winner Famous Bridge who was 4th in this last year. He is still on a low mark and a 20/1 is value here.
3.20 Mares Hurdle
Punter Entries - Lossiemouth Golden Ace, Dysart Enos
I can’t see Golden Ace or Dysart Enos being better than around 3rd or 4th, Lossiemouth is 4/6 favourite and if she is none the worse for her crashing fall last time should win, although stable mate Jade De Grugy could make life difficult and they are close on ratings.
4.00 Champion Hurdle
Punter Entries - Constitution Hill, Brighterdaysahead, Lossiemouth, State Man
With Lossiemouth likely to go in the mares now Brighterdaysahead goes here, this should be between State Man. Constituition Hill and Brighterdaysahead, State Man was well beaten by Constitution Hill in 2023, so the unknown is can Constitution Hill give 7lb to Brighterdaysahead. I think so, but It could be close.
4.40 Juvenile handicap hurdle
Punter Entries - Willy De Houelle
I am no handicap expert, but I think Willy De Houelle has a big task under top weight as he has not even won this season. Beyondyourdreams catches my eye at 10/1 though he needs to jump better than last time
5.20 Novice Handicap Chase
Punter Entries Haiti Couleurs
Haiti Couleurs has had a good season and holds a solid chance off 11-4 and 5/1 seems fair.
Wednesday
1.20 Turners Novice Hurdle
Punter Entries - The New Lion, Potters Charm, Port Joulain
The New Lion has been impressive this season and hopefully he can win for the home team, the one I fear from across the water is the Yellow Clay
2.00 Brown Advisory novice chase
Punter Entries - Ballyburn, Dancing City, Haiti Couleurs
Tis looks a Peej benefit, but which of Ballyburn or Dancing City wins? Ballyburn's grade 1 win tips it in his favour, but I think it will be close.
2.40 Coral Cup handicap hurdle
Punter Entries - Be Aware
Be Aware off 10 -7 has the look of a Skelton plot, 7/1 favourite could be good value
3.20 Cross Country Limited Handicap Chase
No Punter Entries.
Don’t really care but Stumptown was a TV series I enjoyed so that will do
4.00 Champion Chase
Punter Entries - Jonbon, Gaelic Warrior, Il Est Francais , Found A Fifty, Quilixios
Quilixios is held by Jonbon on Tingle Creek form, Gaelic Warrior is held by Solness, Il Est Francais goes in the RyanAir, Found A Fifty is interesting if you put a line through last time as he was just touched off by Solness previously. 20/1 could be good each way value. Jonbon is the obvious choice, but I think a 10/11 he is worth opposing with Solness each way at 9/1
4.40 Grand Annual handicap Chase
Punter Entries - Primoz
Primoz had a confidence booster at Kelso las time, winning by 54l. Off just 10-2 he could sneak in to the frame at 33/1 but is not the most reliable. Stablemate Traprain Law off 10-8 at 66/1 is my each way play
5.20 Champion Bumper
No Punter Entries
No idea other than Willie Mullins wins it with some thing !
Thursday
1.20 Mares Novice Hurdle
Punter Entries Diva Luna, Maughreen
Favourite for this is Sixandahalf, who won a maiden hurdle by 12 l last time, but lacks experience as does Maughreen, who won a novice hurdle las time and is second favourite. Diva Luna was beaten last time and the form was let down recently. Paul Nicholls Jubilee Rose has won her last 2 , is a bit more experienced than some, and at 9/1 is the each way play for me
2.00 Novice Limited handicap chase
Punter Entries - Firefox, Caldwell Potter, Masaccio
Firefox has run consistently well in high class novice chases and off 11-8 at 9/1 is sound each way value. Masaccio has been schooled in cheek pieces and gone well, and Alan King is keen to run over this trip. Off 11 –2 he is interesting at 16/1 Caldwell Potter, has not quite lived up to expectations but his placed efforts are behind decent sorts and again off 11-4 he is a player at 16/1. However favourite is Jagwar, 3 time winner his season including a CD win, so off 10- 11 it’s easy to see why he heads the market and he is the selection
2.40 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
No Punter Entries
No real idea but Harbour Lake is reportedly working well, off a weigh that is often a winning one and 25/1. That will do
3.20 RyanAir Chase
Punter Entries - Fact To File, Il Est Francais, Gaelic Warrior, Protektorat, , Spillames Tower, El Fabiolo, Found A fifty, Ginny’s Destiny.
El Fabiolo is missing Cheltenham and I Doubt Ginny’s Destiny or Gaelic Warrior will run here, . Found a Fifty would probably need to find a chunk of that on ratings o win here, Spillanes Tower has some smart form around 2 ½ miles and is interesting if he runs, Proektorat would make them all go, and Fact to File and Il Est Francais are class acts.It is a much deeper race than the Gold Cup and hard to call, but I will go with Fact To File
4.00 Stayers Hurdle
Punter Entries - Hewick, Langer Dan, Mystical Power, Strong Leader Teauphoo
This is a weak division currently. Strong Leader has disappointed this season, as has Mystical Power, Hewick has also disappointed this season over fences, and is is hard to see him winning here. If he wins this I will buy Cod he biggest Cocktail we can get made in the Gluepot, should he choose to join us at some point. Langer Dan has again disappointed this season and whilst he generally comes good at this time of year, he is now in grade 1 company. So last years winner Teauphoo is ev Favourite almost by default, and will probably follow up.
4.40 Premier Handicap Chase
Punter Entries - Firefox, Masaccio, Ginny’s Destiny
As previously stated, Ginny’s Deatiny is hard to fancy after a poor season, Firefox and Masaccio have solid place claims at double figure prices, and Jagwar again heads this Market and would be the selection
5.20 Amateur Jockeys handicap chase.
No Punter Entries
This is something of a lottery until the riders are announced, however Mr Vango unbeaten this season catches the eye, runs in nice red and blue colours, is a 16/1 shot, so he will do
2024/25 Jumps Issue 17 - Bob is Feb Top Trainer
Headlines
Fortunes Roll in to Bob
A Grey Dawn Breaks over Kelso
Report
We start at Doncaster on Saturday where in the 3m listed novice hurdle World Of Fortunes (Bob), took his chance, Raced in second, niggled along briefly after 6th, pressed leader from 3 out, led narrowly last, ridden run-in, kept on well final 110yds, won going away by 2l. He gets 28.4 points.
At Kelso in the 3m listed chase Grey Dawning ( Steve Martin, Neil), went to post, Made all, shaken up and went clear last, nudged out run-in, winning comfortably by 2 ½ l. Steve gets 27.68 points, Martin, Neil 13.84
John Torpey Memorial Trophy
February March Total
Bob 155.35 28.4 604.45
Steve 53.35 27.68 478.8
Neil 96.15 13.84 450.5
Peej 134.24 433.53
Cliff 132.1 340.65
Martin 50.62 13.84 323.36
Cod 53.23 305.24
Congratulations to Bob, who is trainer of the Month
Stats Per String
Runners Winners
Bob, 38 19
Cliff 41 13
Cod, 38 11
Martin, 52 13
Neil 32 16
Peej 39 15
Steve 33 8
The Weeks Losers
El Fabiolo
News
I hear Rossa Ryan has a jumps licence and has been schooling a Barbury castle. Apprantley keen to ride in a couple of bumpers, I understand Alan King is rying to find 1 or 2 for him. I would back them if he does.
When it comes to naming racehorses, it is extremely rare for anything rude or suggestive to get past Weatherbys, Horse Racing Ireland or France Galop, all of whom are on the lookout for anything which might cause offence or pose any danger of reducing commentators to a fit of the giggles.
The few that do slip through the net are often cleverly concealed by their spelling in a way that means the fun police don't pick them up at registration.
So fair play to Czech trainer Vaclav Luka and his owner, whose three-year-old debutant Lucky Bastard will undoubtedly enliven proceedings before and during Chantilly's Prix Traversiere on Tuesday.
Flat Strings
Competition starts Saturday 3 May, so strings in by close of play Monday 28 April
Weekend Entries
Saturday
Sandown
2.25 Go Dante, We’re Red And Blue, Norman Fletcher
Sunday
Naas
2.10 Redemption Day
Grand Slam
Leg 1 Neil
Leg 2 Tony
Leg 3 Tony
Leg 4 Cliff
Leg 5 Neil
Leg 6 Peej
Leg 7 Tony
Leg 8 Steve
Leg 9 Steve
Leg 10 Steve
Leg 11 Steve
Leg 12 Cliff
Leg 13 Neil
Leg 14 Cliff
Leg 15 Bob
Leg 16 Bob
Leg 17 Peej
Leg 18 Bob
Leg 19 Neil
Leg 20 Peej
First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell,(Flat) , Worcester
In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick, Listowel, Kilbeggan
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